The 12th Year

Happy birthday, Alice!

Today, you are 12.

Can you believe?!

It was a busy, busy year. 

You wrapped up your 5th grade year playing an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka. Fifth grade was probably the hardest year you have had yet but you got through it! 

This summer we got to sleep in a bus! Sort of. :) We took a little trip to San Marcos and saw caves and deer and goats. It was such an adventure!

You got your braces off and now have to keep up with a retainer. You had determined baby teeth pulled and handled it like a champ!

You started 6th grade and so far, it has been a much better start than last year. We talked a lot this summer about friendships and the opportunity this provides to expanding your circle. You were way less stressed with the start of the year. You are taking art and have joined the Drama Club.

You earned your black belt in Taekwondo. You are now on the Diving Divas volleyball team and have your first game next week. 

You got a cell phone for your 11th birthday and texting with you is SO MUCH FUN.

You are growing and changing and it's such an honor to be a part of it. We tried to prepare you for as much as we can and so far you are handling it so much better than we imagined. We are proud of you. Always.

Sometimes the big feelings are a lot so we have a safe word for those times when we're both a little overly passionate and need to step away to gather our calm. It mainly just makes us laugh and confuses Dada. 

If ever your feelings are too big and you don't want to share them with me, I hope you know you are surrounded by a village of people who want nothing but the best for you. You are never alone. 

I hope this year is the best one you've ever had. 

We love you so very much, babes. 

Being 12 is SO preppy.

Slay.

Mom & Dad

Outside the Window

Today we woke up to a rainy morning. The lights went out and everything! Friday we received yet another orange note of more sadness saying the construction was going to have our water off Monday and Tuesday from 9-5. Seriously. The city hates me. 

So we packed up and went to Nana's. Alice got to spend some alone time with the Mamaw while I got to spend some alone time with my Momma. It was lovely.

Little Alice likes books - she loves to chew on them and gets so excited when she gets the chance to do so. 

Reading with Mamaw

For Christmas, Aunt Kristl got a "Grandma" book to keep at my mom's house. She LOVES it.

Look at how excited she gets! So cute.

While is still isn't crawling, she's getting SO CLOSE! She is much more mobile and managed to work herself off Nana's lap.

Where are you going, Little Bitty!?

It was a lovely day. And we'll get to do it again tomorrow! ;)

Until next time...

Negative Space

When she grew attached to the frog - we wanted a backup. So we found a duck.

And the poor thing never gets chosen.

So sad.

For Christmas, Mom gave her a little chair that doubles as a step stool. I had one like it growing up that said "wash hands and feet and do it well when you step on this carousel" and had a carousel printed on it. The one Mom found for her was white so I got to make it hers. 

Step Stool form

Seat form

I tried many different designs and had several in my head but my creativity does not equal artistic talent. So I settled for stripes and her initial. I love it! I think it's simple and sweet. And hers.

Until next time.....

Currently Reading

I don't remember how many times I've read this series and it doesn't matter. I laugh every time!

We had a big day today! We got to visit Nana and Lori and the Momma got a much needed hair cut!

We also got to see the Mamaw, Aunt Beverly and Aunt Caroline! It was a very visiting day! ;)

My Beloved made the mistake of saying he couldn't believe I was putting her in sun glasses that didn't match her outfit which then gave me permission to buy more. Silly boy. They make her look like a big bug - it's cute!

She's a hot styling mess. 

Until next time...

Something Funny

Every time Alice sees a phone or anything that lights up - this is her response: 

GIMMEE!!!!!

She's very passionate about electronics. While she doesn't crawl, she will throw herself at anything that plugs in. It's hysterical. 

We had a busy day yesterday! We (Uncle Travis, Mamaw, Alice and I) took a little trip up to see Nana at Sandy Creek. This was her first trip to camp. 

She got to meet a lot of new people and see some old friends. We also took a trip up to the barn to check on Rickey and his horse. His horse has a little Donkey friend who refuses to part from him. It's super funny.

And she got to meet a Larry!

We had a good day! And I was the only one awake on the drive home. ;)

Notice Mamaw's hand on her car seat. She loves our girl. It brings me joy.

Until next time....

Gratitude

Now that I'm her mother (yikes!!) I appreciate the other mothers in my life. 

My Mamaw. I adore my grandma. Her constant faith is such an encouragement. She is always willing to pray with you and for you and for anyone who needs praying for. Her home is inviting and she can put together a meal in a hot second. ;) She loves her family even though we're flawed. I'm thankful for her always. 

My Mother in Law. She raised a good man. My Beloved would not be who he is today had it not been for her. She is loving and patient and kind. And I've never seen her lose her cool even though she spends a lot of time with the Christie men and they can be a bit exhausting. ;) I'm thankful for the man she raised.

My Mom. I'm 32 and I still need my mom. I talk to her every day. She is the strongest person I know.  Her voice is the voice I hear when I'm trying to make a decision. We have great adventures that I wouldn't trade for the world. She's my on call medical professional and I would be lost without her. I'm thankful for the love she always shows - even when we're difficult. 

I'm thankful for the women I look up to and hope to be half as good as them. I'm grateful for the years of loving me they have and the love they have for our girl. 

I'm also very thankful for a full nights sleep! I feel like a new woman! ;)

Until next time.....

Morning Sky

This morning at our house. We started out a little early this morning. I can't complain though. Our girl slept for 8 hours straight! 

Today was another fun filled day! We started out by going to our favorite doctors office. :) I have to go in once a week to have my levels checked since I'm still on blood thinners. This means every Friday we get to visit with the nurses and staff. We don't mind! We like them a lot. And they like our girl. 

It was also a Friday Lunch with Aunt Tami day! We love those days. This time Nana joined us! We did some shopping and had lunch and tried out the new shopping cart cover Aunt Tami bought for our shopping excursions. It has shoulder straps so it holds her up. We think it's going to work! Holla!

And since we bought some super cute clothes, we HAD to have a fashion show!

Seriously, the cuteness is too much. For reals.

We probably should have waited a little longer after she ate. She only threw up all over me a few times. Oh joy, oh delight. ;)

I'm thankful for days spent with my sister, lunch at the Savanna Cafe and the cutest baby ever.

I'm also thankful for this picture...it makes me snort.

She loves her Aunt Tami - I promise

Until next time...

Leaves

Texas sure has some pretty weeds! ;)

Today we went up to Miracle Farm to help them as they prepare for their Day at Miracle Farm event this weekend. (If you're in the Brenham area this weekend - check it out! It's a lot of fun!) The school is located in Bluebonnet country and they are BEAUTIFUL this year! Seriously. Fields of blue. Simply gorgeous. 

Had the weather been nicer Mom and I would have had Alice propped up on the side of the road like every other crazy Texan. Lucky for her it was raining and FREEZING (ok so not exactly freezing but in Texas 48 degrees is close enough)! In April. Welcome to Texas. 

While we were at the school, I got to laminate! It was so exciting. Mom asked if it was okay that she was holding Alice and I was doing all the helping. I told her I get to hold the baby all the time - I NEVER get to laminate! ;)

We also happened to be there for a Bluebell delivery. This called for some help....

We had lunch and got to visit and saw some awesome Bluebonnets. 

AND we wore little bitty out so much she slept all night! HOLLA!! ;)

I'm grateful for Bluebonnets, the men and women of Miracle Farm and the ministry they provide. I'm thankful for a laminating machine and a nap on the ride home. 

Until next time....

Happiness

Happiness is...

A hair cut - the kind that makes you feel about 10 pounds lighter

Two blue streaks for some extra sass

Visits with our friend Lori

Chips and queso 

Catching up on Supernatural

A Girl's Night with Nana

Cute jammies

I'm thankful for a night with my Momma, fast forwarding through commercials and a very yummy supper. 

Until next time....

Day 30 - Relax

We had a busy day yesterday so before dinner, we rested a little at Nana's house. I relaxed and watched some Supernatural while the baby and Daddy napped. 

My mom has been trying to come up with what Alice should call her. We've tossed around several different options and she keeps saying Alice will decide. But that might be a while! And until then, I need something to call her! 

I think we've settled on Nana. We like Nana.

So Nana it is!

Until Alice changes it.....

Day 19 - A sign

Today Little Bitty and I were out and about and got to stop in to see the ladies of Labor and Delivery at The Woman's Hospital of Texas. They like seeing her and she likes to be seen so it works out. ;) 

She got to see her original NICU doctor and all the nurses that work with Grandma Karen. These are women who prayed for us while we were there. People that worried for us. People that didn't know us but knew my mom and that alone made us family. These are women that saved my life and took care of our girl.

And I'm forever grateful. 

Until next time....

Day 4 - Lucky...

...pair of bloomers!!

Baby girl clothes are JUST SO CUTE!! I'm attempting to practice self control when it comes to buying clothes. Attempting. My Beloved and I were at Target the other day. He made the mistake of leaving me alone and I wandered in to the kids clothes. By the time he found me I had an armful of things she NEEDED!! And being the 'sensible' man he is - he told me I could get two. Just two! He's so mean. ;)

I was shopping with mom the other day (who I'm not sure I should be allowed to shop with alone) and we found the CUTEST St. Patty's Day outfit! She said Daniel didn't limit her so she could buy it! We're a tricksy lot. 

My Beloved rolled his eyes. :) He also wishes we'd stop buying outfits with stuff printed on the bottom. He feels it's inappropriate to draw attention to Our Girl's behind. 

But it's ALL...JUST...SOOOOOO......CUTE!!!

And it works for now! 

Now when she's past the baby stage - no ma'am!

Until next time...

Dear Little Bitty...

At the baby shower one of the activities was to fill out a page for Alice with words of advice or words to describe her using the letters in her first name. Afterwards, they were put in a book for her to read one day. 

They're great! Some made me laugh! We have one VERY loved little girl. I'll share some of my favorites in a different post. 

But for today, it's mine. It took me a few months to know what I wanted to say.

So here goes...

Hi Baby Girl,

A - Always know you have a place at home - no matter how far you go. And know you are loved every minute of every day.

L - Laugh like a loon every chance you get! Find the funny in every situation. And don't be afraid to laugh at yourself...a lot. 

I - 'Innocence' does not equal 'naive'. Hold on to yours for as long as you can - there is NOTHING wrong with that. 

C - Chase butterflies and rainbows. Believe in magic. Wish on shooting stars. Dance in the rain. Dream BIG. And keep dreaming.

E - Expect life to disappoint you but don't let it break you. A broken heart heals stronger. I promise.

Love, Mom

PS: this was my first time to write "mom" on something to her. I only choked up a little. ;)

Until next time.....

Her Villagers

They say it takes a village to raise a child and I agree. Not because parents are incapable of doing it on their own but because I think it takes the world to encourage and grow a child. I think it takes a slew of villagers to love a child. And I think everyone brings something different to the world. Her world.

And I can't wait to see who she becomes because of them.

And Alice is one very loved little girl who has a world full of "Aunts" standing by to spoil her. My Beloved doesn't think they should all be aunts but he's confused. ;) 

Since she's been home she's had visitors from her all of her grandparents, a great aunt, two great grandma's and her crazy aunt Tami. ;) And that's just the beginning.

Today I'm thankful for the people who already love her. The people who are elated to meet her. The people who have been praying and are still praying for her. I'm thankful for her cute little button nose, a trip to Hobby Lobby with my Momma and more ice cream.

Until next time..

My Momma

She's worth at least two days of thanks so she gets it. :)

I'm thankful my mom is willing to drive to La Porte two days in a row to watch Alice for us. I'm thankful she loves me and supports me and encourages me. I'm thankful I have the freedom to vote even though I totally didn't get a sticker. ;) I'm thankful for cooler weather and short lines at the poll. 

Until next time....

The Tellings

While sitting at the doctors office the day after I took the pregnancy test I opened my WebMD app (my Beloved does not think I need this app) and looked up pregnancy and such. 'Pregnancy' led to 'miscarriage' and according to WebMD, 1 in 6 women will experience a miscarriage. That's a lot. That number made me extra nervous considering I'm at a higher risk. But it was also a little comforting because it also said there's nothing that can be done. It's just something that happens. Because of this, we slowly told the ones we love and selfishly asked them to not scream it from the rooftops. :)


And they respected our wishes and for that I am forever grateful. We appreciate each and every one of you that celebrated in silence until we were ready to tell the world. Thank you.


The tellings were kind of fun.


I told my mom the next day - she is after all my On Call Medical Professional so I needed her to be aware that the crazy calls were going to start. She did a fantastic job of containing her excitement. I think she could sense my nerves even over the phone.


Tami found out on my birthday. I'd been to the doctor and came home with a picture of a Lima Bean. ;) She immediately teared up, flapped her hands and told me I better not be lying. She then proceeds to tell me that Tami would be a perfect name for a girl and Tomi works well for a boy. The baby is now Tami/Tomi.


David, Daniel's brother, immediately rubbed my belly and said a nephew would be nice.


I didn't tell Travis until they got back from Thailand. After picking him up from the airport,  I let him know the only thing he was getting for Christmas was a niece or nephew. He too asked if I was telling the truth (probably this is some indication that I might have lied to my siblings, hmmmm) and then hugged me.


My Young Brave friend Kelley who lives far away found out via Google Messenger. She then immediately squealed and jumped up and down in her seat at work. Now she claims our baby is the reason why her coworkers think she's nuts. I have my doubts. She also blames our 'little biscuit' as she calls it on the reason why her Bible study thinks she's nuts as well. I sent her a text with the cutest little nose and she again flipped out - in the middle of Bible study. And then they prayed for our little biscuit.


I called my grandmother on Mother's Day to let her know. After the initial emotion and excitement, she said she had her suspicions because the last time she saw me, she thought "well Lord, she looks a little pudgy." I do love my Mamaw! She's praying for little lungs, a tiny heart and a healthy baby. ;)

A coworker and I were talking about something and it came up in conversation. "I KNEW IT!!" he says. "And why is that?! Is it because I'm pudgy?!" I say. Uncomfortably, "Ummm, no - it's your...posture" he claims. Uh huh. ;)

Everyone is excited and impatiently standing by to spoil the heck out of our bundle of joy. My Beloved and I had a discussion on how babies came to be called bundles of joy. "Don't they cry and poo a lot?" So they are standing by to spoil the heck out of our Bundle of Poo and Scream. ;)

Until next time....

Saturday Sibling Spankings

My sister came in to town this past weekend which meant Martin Family Bonding Time! HOLLA!

The day started out with lunch. Most of our adventures are centered around food.

We get in to the car and Travis points to a tiny whitish spider hanging between the two front seats (I'm convinced it's an Albino Brown Recluse but since it's currently on the lam - this cannot be confirmed). He lets the spider land on his hand only to have said spider leap on to our mother. Chaos ensues. The spider runs for its life and mom finds her fly swatter. Why the woman has a fly swatter in her truck is beyond me - except for the obvious: to reach her bad children in the back seat. What good Southern Momma wouldn't have a fly swatter close at hand? Spanking #1 for the day: Travis threw a spider at mom. Tami gets in the car and mom announces that Travis threw a spider on her so if the spider ends up on her leg while she's driving and kills us all - blame him. "Nice Bubba"

Oh yeah, this is going to be a good day!

We eat and drop the boy off at home because he doesn't want a pedicure - foolish child. We then head to the mall for a cookie - they always have the best cookies! Because Poopie is indecisive, we end up with an extra cookie. No worries - we'll give it to Travis. As the three Martin Women are getting back in the car - the two younger Martin women might have sassed the older one. Oops. Spanking #2 & #3 of the day: The Sisters sass. In all honesty I'm pretty sure I didn't deserve it but Poopie always gets me in trouble! ;)

When we get home we hand the cookie to Travis who immediately eats half of it. We're not entirely sure what kind of cookie it is so we ask what the 'chewy' part the the chocolate chewy cookie is.
Travis: You gave me a cookie and you didn't know what was in it?!
Me: You ate half the cookie without asking what was in it!!
Travis: Well, is it so bad that I trust my sisters?!
Me: Probably! Have you blocked out your entire childhood?!

We had an awesome day full of laughing and eating and laughing. We ended the day sharing chips and queso at our favorite Tex Mex spot. Yummm!

I love spending time with my family. They bring me joy.

 And seriously, who could be mad at these sweet faces?!

Until next time.....

Love is...

...whispered 'I love you's'

...silly texts from the sister

...hugs from the Momma

...rainbows

...having someone take out the trash

...smiles from The Child

...my Beloved

...kisses from the puppy

...silly jokes

...Tigger heart socks

...self check out lines

...Him

...forgiveness

...jeans that fit just right

...Dr. Pepper

...the smell of Mamaw's house

...the fire pit in mom's backyard

...the promise of a weekend

...big laughs

...friends - the ones that live far away and the ones you see every day

...spell check

...knowing someone loves you - no matter how crazy it gets

Happy Valentine's Day! I love YOU!

Until next time....

His Promises

When I was little and would get scared, I would run to my Mom. She would always read Hebrews 13:5-6 to me, pray with me and the fears would cease. It's my favorite verse and my favorite promise and something I needed to be reminded of today.

Hebrews 13:5-6: For God has said "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." So we can say with confidence "The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?"

A few weeks ago, my Mamaw brought me this key chain. She didn't know the significance of the verse to me but funny things just work out that way. ;)
My LEAST favorite verse (probably I shouldn't have one but I'm human) can be found in James 1 ~ 'Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.' Yeah, I don't like that verse at all. :)

Today I'm thankful I believe in a God who loves me and comforts me and provides for me - even when I fail to ask. I'm thankful He loves me more than the stars and the sun He taught to shine. I'm thankful my Beloved and I both have jobs and live in a house and have food on our table. I'm thankful we're insured and loved and supported. And I'm thankful to be resting in His awesome grip and to be confident that this too shall pass. Or at least working on being confident this too shall pass. ;)

Count it all joy.....count it all joy.....

Until next time.....

Momma's Pumpkin Bread

We got to spend some time at Momma's this weekend and today she made Pumpkin Bread. Yum!

Today I'm thankful for love and weddings and warm pumpkin bread. I'm thankful for the way my Momma's house smells and that she loves us enough to let us leave with 4 loaves. ;)

Until next time...